The influence of urbanization on the development of modern state and law

Introduction. Currently, most of the world’s population lives in cities, megacities, and urban agglomerations, since they are the core of progress and create the conditions for comprehensive human development. Theoretical analysis. A study of the history of the development of cities, urbanized and suburbanized structures shows that this particular form of human settlement is the most attractive in modern developed countries. The analysis of the research of scientists on the problems of urban development led to the conclusion that the process of urbanization had gone through several stages. Initially, it was characterized by a significant increase in urban population due to the development of industry and gradual formation of an urban lifestyle. At the second stage, more complex urban structures were created (urban agglomerations, megacities). At the present stage of development of states where cities play a leading role, urbanization has acquired a global character, and formation of an urban civilization has become its result. Empirical analysis. The study of the urban development by representatives of various branches of science showed that urbanization has significant results. It leads, firstly, to an increased role of cities in government; secondly, to the formation of urban culture, mentality and values; thirdly, to the creation of opportunities to increasingly meet the needs of urban residents; fourthly, to the emergence of characteristic urban activities and others. Results. In connection with the introduction of various innovations and constant development of the urban environment, existing social relations are being improved in these territories and new ones are being formed, and they are more formalized in nature. In connection with the globalization of the urbanization process, today we can talk about the existence of an urban civilization, where complex special legal regulation of social relations is the most effective. In this connection, it can be argued that cities and urbanized structures require the development of legal norms that are valid and subject to application specifically in these territories.